I am curious what the philosophical terms are for when one person, when accused of an immoral or illegal transaction, responds by justifying that behavior based on another’s moral or illegal behaviors. That response is usually stated as “What about [something the other guy did]” rather than an evaluation of the responder’s immoral or illegal behavior. We have heard thru TV and movie about the devil encouraging immoral behavior by saying “everybody does it”. I have read some articles re moral relativism and comparison but they do not seem to address this in a way I comprehend.
I am curious what the philosophical terms are for when one person, when accused of an immoral or illegal transaction, responds by justifying that behavior based on another’s moral or illegal behaviors. That response is usually stated as “What about [something the other guy did]” rather than an evaluation of the responder’s immoral or illegal behavior. We have heard thru TV and movie about the devil encouraging immoral behavior by saying “everybody does it”. I have read some articles re moral relativism and comparison but they do not seem to address this in a way I comprehend.
Ay direction is appreciated.